BajaNomad

BOLA to Hiway 1 via El Arco

Santiago - 2-21-2011 at 12:11 PM

We're taking this (south to north) mid-March. Any problems in a 4X4 full size PU? I've never been on the leg through El Arco, I've always turned south at the 'new' road through the Ejido out to Vizciano. I'm guessing 4-5 hours not counting leg streaching to BOLA from Hiway 1?
BajaBoy: does Poncho need anything (besides red wine - will have that covered)?

Desertbull - 2-21-2011 at 11:33 PM

Walk in the park, just did it and it's wide open. Locals do it in 2wd all the time...it's a breeze in 4wd.

David K - 2-22-2011 at 12:32 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by soulpatch
I'm headed south from Bola to La Paz at the end of May and I am tempted to take this route just for the hell of it.
How much longer is it to do this than head back out to 1 and south on the highway?


Take the left branch that crosses the road to Mision Santa Gertrudis... it is better and shorter to Hwy. 1 then going through El Arco. The mission and oasis village there may be an interesting side trip since you will be so close.

I will post maps of the route for you... stay tuned!

David K - 2-22-2011 at 12:59 AM

The 2007 AAA map shows the southern half of the road... I drew in the northern half. I drove it on Dec. 31, 2001 heading to Camp Gecko for Bedman's prime rib and the dance at Casa Diaz! Many have used it since as well as Baja 1000 racers... it seems to remain in good condition.





The road is shown in the 2009 (new) Baja Almanac.

Martyman - 2-22-2011 at 09:45 AM

Hey Jim;
Last time I saw Pancho he needed pants! seriously. He's a flaco little guy too. Maybe 30 waist? Mine will not work!

coronamike - 2-22-2011 at 10:39 AM

Last time I saw Poncho was Dec. '09. He said he would pay around $50 USD for a TV antenna so he could pick up TV from the mainland. I haven't been able to get back to him and maybe he has one by now. But I thought it could be a good idea to buy one from Radio Shack, keep the receipt, take it to Poncho and if he didn't want or need it, you could just return it to Radio Shack for a refund when you get home. I gave him some cigars too. He really liked that.

Santiago - 2-22-2011 at 11:52 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Martyman
Hey Jim;
Last time I saw Pancho he needed pants! seriously. He's a flaco little guy too. Maybe 30 waist? Mine will not work!

MM: OK - I'll hit Goodwill and see what I can get. My guess he's a 30/30 at most.
CM: good idea on the TV antenna; I'll do just that.
Soulpatch: In January of '09 I drove from Bahia Asuncion to Gecko in 8 hours with at least 60 minutes in stops. I'm guessing it will take you about 3.75-4 hours to make Viscaino via pavement and about 5 hours via the road DK is talking about. The cutoff is shown in the new Almanac and as you can see, it follows the Purificacion wash. The area between Miraflores and the ejido had sections of deep, rutted sand and fluff dirt so high clearance would be necessary.
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